Steering Committee

Once you determine the level of interest, the next step is to bring together a core group to form a steering committee. This concept can be accomplished at the local, regional, or statewide level. While the inclination might be to cast a wide net, it is far more productive at this stage to begin with a smaller, core committee.

Ask questions that can assist you in identifying steering committee members. For example—

• Who are the major stakeholders?
• Who has statutory or regulatory jurisdiction?
• Who can influence change in an agency, court system, or legislative process?
• Who is likely to think outside the box?

Once you identify the core group, take steps to formalize the group into a steering committee. A steering committee can, of course, be used for different purposes. Establishing its role in the initiative should be among its earliest actions. Steering committee members should—

• Identify leadership positions and define the role and responsibility of the committee.
• Distinguish core and ad hoc members.
• Formalize the partnership through a written agreement.
• Establish the initiative's mission statement and set its goals.
• Set a calendar of regular and routine meetings using agendas and recording and sharing meeting minutes with all committee members.